Haikou Baishamen Tin Hau Temple

Haikou Baishamen Tin Hau Temple

The Baishamen Tin Hau Temple was first built during the Yuan Dynasty and is the first Mazu temple constructed in Hainan, as well as the birthplace of Mazu culture in the region. It is said to have been established by merchants from Fujian who crossed the sea to conduct business in Haikou, boasting a history of 800 years.

Baishamen Village is an urban village located on Haidian Island, the northernmost part of downtown Haikou. In the past, it was a fishing village by the Qiongzhou Strait. Previously, there was a small harbor in front of the temple where boats could dock. It is said that in those days, when officials were appointed to serve in Hainan, they would land here, and the first thing they did upon arrival was to pay homage to Mazu in the temple before assuming their official duties. Likewise, merchants who crossed the sea to reach Hainan would land here and always worship Mazu before starting their business ventures. For centuries, the villagers made a living by setting sail at sunrise and returning with full hauls at sunset, earning their livelihood from the sea while praying for bountiful harvests and safety amidst the ocean’s waves. As a result, worshipping Mazu and praying for peace became an indispensable part of their lives.

After the liberation, the government reclaimed land from the sea, replacing the low-rise fishing village with high-rises and transforming the sandy beaches into wide roads. The villagers moved away from the sea, but the simple faith in Mazu has remained deeply rooted in the hearts of the islanders, becoming an enduring part of local culture and tradition, etched indelibly into people’s memories.

Location: Baishamen Village, Meilan District, Haikou City, Hainan Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 19, 21, 44, or 203 within Haikou city to get there

Admission:

Free entry.